After a few minutes of walking and getting to know each other, we finally reached the place we were hoping for.
It was a store surrounded by a fence, adjacent to two buildings that looked abandoned. Two people were standing over the gates of the store with a gun in their hands. Luke, who I think is kind of cool, gave them both a wave which they returned. The woman among the two looked relieved at our sight.
Kara:- "Howe's Hardware. So you guys live in a Hardware shop?"
Luke:- "We sure do. The place is sturdy, pretty much unbreakable. We've got about 20 people living here. We're trying to expand and make those two abandoned buildings our own."
Luke pointed toward the two buildings, and I have to say I'm impressed. On our way here, I saw the way the world looks now. It's silent, a deadly kind. This place is silent as well. But there is a sense of security here.
I cannot see any Hollow near us either.
Nick:- "We have got food and water for everyone. Very soon, we will be able to get hot showers as well. Our leader, Carver, with the help of a few of our smart ones, was able to restore power to the store. We now have access to lights and a PA system."
Carlos:- "That's... incredible."
Kara:- "I still don't trust you guys."
Kara huffed, looking away. I could tell that she was sold when she heard the words 'Hot' and 'Showers' though. She was just acting tough.
Luke chuckled.
Luke:- "Well, you will get around."
He winked at her, making me squint my eyes at him.
Jace:- "Hey, keep your eyes to yourself prince charming. She is my mother."
Kara chuckled loudly as Luke apologized, looking away bashfully.
Nick smirked.
I turned my gaze away from the man, to instead stare at the board with "Howe's that for a deal?" written on it.
I raise an eyebrow.
Jace:- "A weird pun."
Sarah:- "I think it's funny."
I shrugged and instead focused on catching up with all the adults. In a few seconds, we stood in front of the gate.
Lady:- "You are late. We were getting worried."
Luke:- "No need to worry. We found some trouble on our way, but we dealt with it. Those things were everywhere. Anyways, I guess some introductions are in order."
Luke filled in the guards about the details, and they both nodded at us.
The male guard, An African-American man, stepped in front of us, towering over us all. He gave me and Sarah a friendly smile before introducing himself.
"Name's Mike."
He smiled at us, shaking hands with both Carlos and Kara. He gave both me and Sarah a high-five. Yup, I think he is cool.
The lady with the rifle stepped in front of us, smiling politely in our direction.
Lady:- "I'm Bonnie. It's nice to meet you guys. Carver said he welcomes all who can help expand the community."
Jace:- "And those who can't?"
I asked, making Kara pat my head. Geez, she is rubbing off on me!
Bonnie didn't mind my question, simply taking it as a child's curiosity.
Bonnie:- "Don't worry. We welcome all in our community."
She smiled at me, before looking at all of us in curiosity.
Oh, yes. It's our turn.
Carlos:- "I'm Carlos, and this is my daughter, Sarah."
He motioned towards Sarah, who shyly waved at them all.
Sarah:- "Hello."
Does she always introduce herself this way?
Kara:- "Kara. And this here is Jace."
Jace:- "Yo."
I waved at them, a friendly smile on my face.
They all chuckled.
Mike:- "It's very nice to meet you guys."
Our chatting was put on hold at the sound of footsteps. We all turn in the direction of that sound to see a man in his early forties approaching us with two people walking behind him with rifles in their hands.
The change in the atmosphere was instant.
I could see Nick glaring at the man in silent fury, whereas Luke looked at him with an expressionless face. Mike and Bonnie on the other hand smiled at him, making me curious about this man.
I can tell he is the leader.
The man looked on at us before his eyes settled on Carlos. He looked especially happy to see him.
It's because he is a doctor, isn't it? Man, I wish I graduated from school before the shit hit the fan. I want to feel important too!
I noticed Kara shielding me from the man. She didn't glare, nor did she make any attempt to diss the man. She simply shielded me from his sight protectively.
Leader:- "Welcome to Howe's Hardware doc. I see you have finally decided to accept my offer?"
Carlos nodded.
Carlos:- "I have. I will handle the affairs regarding health, in return, you provide my daughter and my people a roof over their heads."
The man smiled, staring at us. His gaze lingered a little longer on me, and I felt a bit uncomfortable.
Leader:- "I guess some introductions are in order. My name's William Carver. It's nice to have you here."
Carlos:- "As you already know, I'm Carlos. And this here is my daughter, Sarah."
Sarah stared at Carver from behind her father, a small smile on her face.
Kara:- "Kara."
Kara introduced herself, trying to give out a polite smile. It looked awkward though. I could tell she wasn't trying to suck up-up to the man, instead, she felt a bit uncomfortable in his presence. Just like me.
Jace:- "I'm Jace. Carlos said it was because of your help that I'm still alive. I'm grateful."
I introduced myself, smiling cheerfully at the man. I felt a bit weird doing that, but that's simply because I don't know how to act around him yet. The best I can do is act like a kid my age would do.
I have a bad feeling about this. But maybe it's just a feeling? Who knows?
He kind of did provide Carlos with the stuff he needed to patch me up. So I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Carver:- "A child with manners? Rare."
The man smiled, but it in no way looked kind. I felt like a prey who got himself sighted by a predator.
I held Kara's hand a bit tighter subconsciously.
Carver turned away from us, walking inside the store and gesturing for us to follow.
Carver:- "Well then, welcome to Howe's Hardware."
Carver smiled.